You asked three specific questions about the different treatment accorded to regular Air Force personnel and Connecticut Air Force reserve personnel. Specifically you want to know why (1) Connecticut Air Force reservists are not allowed to move the 900 pounds of personal items that regular Air Force personnel are when they are transferred, (2) Connecticut Air Force reservists are not allowed a few days of non-chargeable leave if they are on active duty away from home for more than 120 days, and (3) Air Force reservists are not given a permanent change of station status.

SUMMARY

According to Captain Selby Kewin, legislative liaison for the Air Force Reserve in Washington, D. C. , Connecticut Air Force reservists and regular Air Force personnel are extended the same courtesies with regard to moving personal items, non-chargeable leave and permanent change in station status.

Captain Kewin stated that the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) governs the first two issues above. The regulations set the minimum and maximum that personnel in various grades may carry. They do not distinguish between reserve and regular Air Force personnel. Under the regulation, a reserve or regular personnel can carry at least 1,500 pounds if traveling without a dependent or 5,000 pounds if traveling with a dependent. The maximum weight allowance for both reserve and regular personal is 18,000 pounds (JFTR chapter 5, table U5310-B). According to Captain Kewin, certain circumstances permit different allowances from those in the regulations. For example, if a person is stationed somewhere for a maximum of 60 days, he may be given a per diem allowance instead of the weight allowance that would normally apply.

Captain Kewin stated that periods of non-chargeable leave are afforded to both Air Force reserve and regular Air Force personnel on active duty. In addition, a commander may grant a "special pass" for special circumstances to include compensatory time off (Air Force Instruction 36-3003, section D, paragraph 7). Should a commander decide this type of allowance is appropriate, he may offer it to all the members of the unit, including active duty and reserve members.

Air Force reservists are entitled to permanent change of station status if "reserve members are being called (or ordered) to active duty (including duty for training) for 20 weeks or more at one station" (JFTR, chapter 5, paragraph U5000(b)(3)(b)). This change of status entitles a person to benefits to which he would apparently not otherwise be entitled. These include transportation allowances, baggage transportation, and meals.

For further information regarding the Military Leave program regulations go to http: //afpubs. hq. af. mil and then click on electronic publications, HQ USAF, 36 series, and 3003. For further information regarding the Joint Federal Travel Regulations go to

http: //www. dtic. mil/perdiem/jftr. html.

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